Just today I had the fortune of coming across a well priced JX-8P in Melbourne.

I've never owned an analogue synthesizer with polyphony or MIDI, so MIDI is really quite new to me. The PG800 is not an option as it's too rare and expensive to find.What I'd like to do is buy a controller where I can use one knob/slider per function, and not have to be tethered to my computer. I had a look at the Kiwi Technics Patch Editor, but it's too expensive to justify (more than the actual synth cost).

I can see that this is all simple enough, but I've been in the dark about MIDI controllers, so I don't know where to start. I felt it'd be a good idea to seek help from the knowledgeable members of VSE.

I appreciate all the help in answering a particularly novice question.

The PG 800 has 18 2 way switches, 23 sliders, 3 knobs and 2 buttons. Looking at the Encore Knobby page, they have a setup downloadable for the JX-8P and at $150 directly from them, that's certainly way more affordable than buying a PG800 on Ebay. I'm glad I have the PG tho, the Knobby is a similar design to the DSI Evolver or Blofeld and I'm not the biggest fan of that approach. Does seem like the best approach for saving money tho. Looks lik the BCR2000 mentioned before is $174 from Musician's Friend.